Fujifilm FinePix A340

Speed is mostly what sets the A340 apart from previous cameras. Slide the camera cover open and you’ll be ready to start taking photos in about three seconds. The camera also has a quick refresh between images–less than a second. Images come out of the A340 quickly, too, since it is compatible with the much-faster transfer speeds of USB 2.0 when uploading to computers that are likewise equipped.

Optics and Resolution Featuring a 4-megapixel CCD sensor, the A340 can create images up to 2016 x 1512 pixels, which is enough information to create photo-quality prints up to 10 by 13 inches. The camera features a 3x Fujinon zoom lens. Also, the camera has a 1.7x digital zoom feature, but only when shooting in 2MP mode. To get those close-up shots full of detail, the A340’s macro mode can focus the camera on subjects just 3.6 inches from the lens.

Movie Mode Shoot up to one minute of AVI video without sound at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels. The movies aren’t camcorder quality, but they’re fun and convenient, and they’re perfect as e-mail attachments. The camera includes cables that allow you to view your movies on NTSC (North American) and PAL (other regions) televisions and, of course, you can upload the files to your computer via the camera’s USB interface.

Fast processing: 3.3-second bootup time (duration between turning the camera on and when it’s ready to start taking pictures) and a frame-to-frame time of 0.62 seconds.

Ten-second self-timer

Six-language menu interface

Standard tripod socket

Sliding lens cover

Storage and Transfer Images and video are stored on xD memory cards (16MB included). Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. This camera can transfer images at a faster USB 2.0 rate to computers installed with a USB 2.0 card.

Printing This camera is compatible with the PictBridge direct-printing standard. That means that it can connect and print directly to a number of printers by different manufacturers without additional software or even a computer. Learn more about PictBridge.

Power and Size The camera is powered by two AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended). It measures 4.09 by 2.42 by 1.23 inches and weighs 5.1 ounces without batteries and memory card.